Serial Killers: A Qualitative Study

The researchers Weatherby, Buller, & McGinnis (2009) sought to construct an integrated model of the behavioral traits in serial homicidal offenders to link characteristics to future behaviors. The research was conducted within the departments of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Weatherby, et.al. (2009) gathered and analyzed data on four known serial killers, John Gacy, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and Gary Ridgeway in an attempt to find possible predictors of a serial killer. The models used to examine serial homicide were the McDonald Triad, the Trauma-Control Model, and the Motivational Model. This research sought to answer a two-part question of are there common behaviors and traits and can they be

It was determined that even in if there were precipitating factors identified, such as personality disorders, socio-environmental factors it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons behind serial killers behaviors. Often they appear as normal, responsible, productive members of society. There is no across the board psychometric test that can accurately evaluate the traits of a serial killer. Each serial killer has a very individualized history of socio-environmental, behavioral and personality traits that lend themselves to his or her modus operandi. There are a few factors used as parameters for measuring the findings at the crime scenes to determine the organized/disorganized typology of kills, however, a third type of mixed offender was suggested by two of the research findings in the above paper. Genius does not appear to be a factor in serial homicide. The researchers did not give an indication of the measurements used for the intelligence testing just broad terminology of above-average; below-average intelligence was noted. A psycho-spiritual measure was not found, and an evaluation of this type may lend explanation to the concept of evil as this is not a personality trait, per se. There seems to be no current theory explain the phenomenon of serial homicide. Some serial killers have similar elements of others who commit serial homicide, but it was found by the researchers to be an inclusive indicator because subjects in the general population have the same elements and do not become serial killers. Due to the extremely low base rate of serial killing it is a difficult subject to study with any quantitative or qualitative validity or reliability. Two new ideas were introduced in the research examined; ADHD as a precipitating facts and brain trauma in early childhood in